Hidden Gray

A/N: Yeah, I’m getting behind in my chapters so bare with me, once again this is a busy season for me and only getting busier. And please review!! I could use a smile or two, it would really lift my spirits. I like to know someone actually enjoys the shit I write....

Note:
~”words”~ Is Russian! I’m unfortunately, at this point, to lazy to translate it, and I find myself aggravated when people put languages I can’t understand in their fics, even though it’s cool, and translate them at the bottom. So I’m just writing it in english for now and indicating a language change from the character’s prospective.

Bold Is STILL Parseltongue, just thought I’d remind you, though I don’t think it’s used in this chapter...

CH.11
~GraY

The flicker of candle light cast playful shadows across the blond lovers laying in the luscious bed talking quietly. Draco was curled against his father’s side as the older man stroked his silky hair lovingly and watched his son’s face as they spoke. Their conversation concerned the future, one that they hoped would include their new allies. Lucius moved up to lean on one elbow as Draco yawned and snuggled into the pillow beneath his head. Malfoy Sr couldn’t help but smile. He was the calmest he’d ever been, lying there with his boy beside him deep inside the bowels of a volcano turned into the grandest of palaces by a race that was one of the most elusive in the world, and he was happy and well fucked on top of it all. It was a dream come true, almost.

“I’ll have to go back after supper won’t I father?” Draco asked softly, a flicker of sadness passing through his expressive eyes.

“I’m afraid so Draco. Dumbledore only gave you today, if I hadn’t agreed to have you back by curfew he wouldn’t have allowed it.” Lucius’ voice was tinged with frustration and anger toward the Headmaster. He hated having to relinquish control to the likes of that daft old man.

“I understand.” Draco said reaching out to stroke his father’s cheek, soft skin only half a tone lighter than his own, effectively calming the older man.

“I wish you didn’t have to, my beautiful little boy.” Lucius sighed as he laid back and pulled Draco across his chest; into his strong, protective embrace.

They lay silently for a few minutes, Lucius stroking his son’s hair and holding him tightly while Draco hugged back and nuzzled against his father’s chest, purring like a content kitten. A knock startled both men into a sitting position. Draco pulled the covers up around them as Lucius took his wand from the night stand and called the visitor in. When a head of dirty blond hair and midnight blue eyes peeked in both Malfoy’s let out a breath neither had realized they were holding.

“I came to check if the robes fit properly. Dinner is in half an hour and I thought you might like to know.” Dureck said with a smile as a touch of sadness passed through his dark eyes.

“We have yet to try on the new robes. If you would wait outside for a moment we can be dressed shortly.” Lucius said. Dureck nodded and left them. Lucius had already cast a cleaning charm so Draco in his considerable excitement jumped out of bed and went to the dresser and inspected it’s contents. There were shirts, slacks and such in the dresser, and he found a few sets of robes in the beautiful ebony wardrobe.

“Oh, Father! Come see these robes! Such exquisite design!” Draco said happily pulling a set in his size down, hanger and all. He held them against his chest and turned to show Lucius.

They were a few shades of blue, swirled together and constantly changing, like the scales of a water or ice dragon accented in silver and just a touch of bronze here and there. They were of a fine material it looked like, but Lucius couldn’t quiet identify it, though the texture looked to be similar to what would normally be a thin silk. The cut was a bit strange, it had a decidedly oriental flare but was bound to look positively beautiful on his son. It was a slim garment that would highlight Draco’s petit form and most likely give him a bit of a feminine air but the boy wouldn’t mind Lucius knew. While the youth made a lovely boy he made a beautiful girl, and a deadly one at that. When Draco played on his girlish features people tended to underestimate him which was a great advantage to the Malfoys.

“It’s wonderful my dear.” Lucius smiled.

“Then this one it is? There’s a darker one that would look great on you father and go so well with this one.” Draco said with a grin. Lucius stood and walked over to his son.

“Whatever you think is best.” Lucius said laying a quick kiss on the boy’s lips.

“Alright.” Draco handed Lucius a set of robes that at first looked black but there was an emerald undertone and trim. It was also of the silk like material of Draco’s.

It only took a few minutes before they were dressed. They walked into the sitting room to find Dureck sitting on the couch with the hell hounds. The molten dogs darted to Draco when he came through the door, but they didn’t jump, noticing he was dressed for dinner with their master. The small blond greeted the hounds as Lucius went closer to Dureck. The boy bowed and smiled at the senior Malfoy.

“They seem to fit very nicely. I must say the ones you and your son chose are two of my favorites.” Dureck chirped. Lucius spared him a small smile and nod as Draco joined him at his side.

Draco looked like an angel in his silver and blue marble robes. They clung to his torso and the mandarin neck was left open down to his collar bone. The sleeves held close to his shoulders and gradually widened as they went further down his pale arms. While his upper body was held tightly the robes began to loosen at the hips and in fact were split in the middle at about knee length. From there they flared and dragged behind him a bit. Lucius wore a similar set except he had his collar buttoned close to his throat and the bottom of his robes weren’t split. The sleeves were also slimmer.

“Shall we go to the dining hall now?” Draco asked.

“May I make a quick suggestion, little Malfoy?’ Dureck asked. Draco nodded. The Dragoon darted into the bedroom and returned with a neckless. It looked to be a silver feather or leaf on a silver chain. The metal had a strange, almost burnt look to it but the neckless was a lovely piece regardless. “This was actually one of mine, given to me by my mate many decades ago. He made it himself after deciding to become a jeweler rather than a weapons crafter. I have not seen my beloved in a very long time, and I miss him terribly, but I think it’s time I let this bit go. I haven’t worn it in an even longer time, after all and it was far from the first gift he ever presented me, besides I will always hold it’s memory in my heart.” Dureck said with a hint of sadness and he carefully placed it around Draco’s neck. It was a short, choker neckless and the charm was indeed a feather which rested just about an inch above his collar bone. The metal was light and when Draco touched it he found it to be soft, yet firm enough to hold it’s shape almost like a real feather.

“It looks beautiful on you Draco.” Lucius said softly. Gray eyes met gray eyes both filled with love.

“Thank you,” Draco smiled, “Lucius.” The man let himself smile back and held his arm out to his son who took it happily. Dureck took the lead and lead them out into the corridor with the hounds following their friend’s toward the dining hall.


Back at the Koven house

Severus was pacing the room impatiently, though he found the space barely adequate for the action while Remus dozed on the couch. Suddenly a bird flew threw the window and perched on what Severus had determined to be a small tree, but was merely the stand in the corer by the couch. The bird screeched at the potions master and ruffled his mostly black and white feathers. Whiskey, redish brown eyes glared over at the man who merely glared back. Remus, now fully awake stared trying to identify the bird

“He’s a swallow-tailed kite.” A voice, tented slightly by a Russian accent, from the door drew the two men’s attention. There stood a boy with chocolate brown eyes and chestnut brown hair that was a little longer then Severus’. The boy was dressed in simple jeans and a dark green tank top with a gold cross handing around his neck.

“Umm, Azriel, I had no idea you had a familiar.” Remus began slowly.

“Yes, well not many know much about my brother and I.” The boy said abandoning his defensive stance at the door and moving toward the kitchen. “I hope you and your comrade have not been waiting long. Halo should catch up in a minute of two. We raced home.” The boy came back I into the room holding a glass of water, “Needless to say our little friend there won yet again.” The kite paused in its preening to hold up it’s head proudly for a moment before resuming.

“What is his name?” Remus asked.

“Suicide.” The boy said simply with a smirk. Remus blinked rapidly, startled.

“What kind of a name is that?!” Severus said before he could catch himself. Azriel just shrugged and finished off his glass of water before taking it back into the kitchen. Severus glared at Remus, “And your friend wants someone like that to help us?!”

“Help you do what exactly?” A voice much like Azriel’s but harder, and deeper came from the door this time. The man standing there was older than Char by a few years. His hair was cut to less than an inch in length over his skull and his skin was a dusky bronze. He wore a pair of worn muggle jeans and no shirt, showing off a muscular chest, a small pack at his side attached to a single strap slung around his shoulder across the plane of pure muscle. He was tall and obviously strong. Compared to what Remus knew of drake’s this man’s human body was the near complete opposite of the small dragon’s compact form. The man in front of him was made for strength, but the animal inside was pure speed and dexterity. It was an almost perfect set up in reality, though the extra mass, and increased difference in physiology may make transformation more painful and difficult.

“Oh, Halo, I’m sure you remember Remus, I don’t know who his associate is but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind telling us.” Azriel brought Halo a glass of water. Compared to his older brother Azriel was rather small. Halo was both tall, at over six feet, and broad, while Azriel was only about five foot ten and slimmer. He had a seeker’s build, Remus noted, like Harry and just about the same height too.

“Severus Snape.” The potions master sneered folding his arms across his chest.

“Oh, well it’s nice to meet you.”Azriel nodded to the man and turned back to the kitchen. “Is any one hungry?”

Halo smiled showing abnormally sharp canines, “Always little brother.” The man walked passed his guests and over to the kite perching in the corner. “Well, Suicide, you’ve earned yourself a prize.” With another lopsided grin Halo reached into his pack to pull out a nice, fat fish.

It wasn’t big enough for a person, maybe only three or four inches in length, but it was meaty. The bird made a high pitched whistle and dove after the fish when Halo tossed it out the open window. Remus had ducked out of the fish’s path, then sat up again to watch the kite grab it’s treat out of mid air and take to the skies. Suicide raced for the clouds, spinning and making sharp, short dives before pulling back up and continuing toward the heavens. A few somersaults, spins and a dive later the swallow-tailed kite leveled out and began to merely circle the property. As he flew Suicide began to snack on the fish skillfully while still keeping a sharp eye on the ground and skies alike.

“Some say it’s instinct, their skill at aerial acrobatics. I think it’s just fun to them. They may use it in hunting and such but still, Suicide always has such a bright spark in his eyes after coming in from a recreational flight, it must be more than simple instinct.” Halo said as he watched Suicide circle around the house.

“More philosophizing brother? You’ll bore our guest into an early grave!” Azriel chided playfully walking out of the kitchen followed by a sweet scent. “Now, about why you two are here. My brother and I rarely socialize with the Haven folk, or anyone else for that matter. So, why are you here?” The youth got a serious look on his face and sat in a comfy chair across from Remus.

“Well, Diegara, I’m sure you know him most everyone does, has begun organizing a resistance against the Dark Lord.” Remus said.

“The Fallen Wizard?” There was a growl in the undertone of Halo’s chilly voice.

“Yes, but we also want to be sure that greater evil will not rise in his stead. We hope that you pair could assist us in this task.” Severus continued calmly. Halo stood near the staircase looking contemplative. His eyes were calculating and shifted between his fellow were and the potions master.

“What kind of help do you want?” Halo asked now in simple monotone.

“The forest around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is a very mysterious and dangerous place. We were hoping you could help in securing it.” Remus said sitting forward in his seat. Azriel’s eyes widened and darted to his brother’s questioningly.

“We might be able to. It depends on who already has the greatest hold on the area. Would you happen to know, perhaps they would aline with you in our stead. After all, you are a werewolf, a rather strong one at that, I can sense it. It sings through my senses, the very blood in my veins.” Halo’s eyes narrowed a bit, he didn’t seem very agreeable on the situation presented.

“No. You are stronger, and you have greater authority. Out of all weres the were-drakes are seen as a symbol of the old times, and are highly respected because of this. Your chances would be a thousand times that of mine.” Halo nodded in agreement with Remus.

“It is good to see some know their place. My brother and I will have to talk over the situation. The Forbidden Forest of Hogwarts holds many strange and wonderful perils. I’ve been itching to explore it, if I receive passage from the residing lord I would be eager to help. However, I am telling you now that if Azy and I agree to this, when we arrive there, if we are sent away, we will return here, to our home.” Halo’s voice was firm but not demanding and Remus nodded.

“It’s settled then. There will be a meeting at Rosy’s in the coming weeks, it would be nice to have your decision by then if your willing to try.” Halo nodded and Remus stood walking toward the hearth. He exchanged goodbyes with Azriel and received a nod of recognition from Halo before requesting Severus’ private quarters at Hogwarts and tossing floo powder into the fireplace. Severus nodded to the pair and followed Remus.

Halo sighed. Azriel pulled his legs into the chair he sat in and leaned his elbows on the armrest, chin in his hands as he stared at the empty fireplace. ~ “What do you make of them Halo?” ~

~ “I would not be surprised if they all died in this suicide attempt.” ~ He answered shaking his head. As if hearing his name being called Suicide swooped back in and rested on the back of the couch.

~ “So, are we going to help or not?” ~ Azriel turned and looked at his older brother.

Halo grinned. “What do you think Suicide? Think they will make it?” A strange blue glow passed over the birds eyes and it nodded with a screech. “It’s settled then. We will agree to help them.”

TBC....

A/N: Next chapter, shopping trip!! You’ll love it!! War I’ve made a new minor character all for you, I hope you like him he shall be very pretty, though he’ll probable only appear in this, and perhaps one other chapter(but I might change that).... I\'m also stealing two more characters from a different book by the lovely Amelia Atwater-Rhodes! And the book is Shattered Mirror. If you get a chance, it\'s a quick read and I\'ve been fond of it for a long time. One of the simplest reasons that it is a good book are the vampire twins(who I am using), but I can\'t say anymore without giving away one of the great surprises! *^^* Oh, and if I keep the lovely twins around there will be twincest ahead!! I should really go put up an inc. warning if I haven\'t already shouldn\'t I?....